They were holding out for the same maverick who just earlier this year cast the decisive vote that killed legislation to repeal Obamacare.

Flake caved for THAT?

Flake, meanwhile, has been a prominent Trump critic who essentially, and famously, chose to end his political career rather than compromise his “principles” to do what was necessary to win over Trump supporters.

In the tax vote, however, Flake and McCain clearly chose the interest of the Republican Party rather than what's best for the country. If the senators were going to support the tax bill despite its fiscal irresponsibility, I wish they’d have fought harder to win more consequential concessions.

Flake’s explanation is most baffling because he prides himself as a deficit hawk, yet was nonetheless willing to vote for the plan that could increase the federal deficit by more than $1.4 trillion over a decade.

Why #UnfollowMcCain matters

This is the president that ended the Obama-era program that protected the roughly 800,000 dreamers and gave Congress until March to pass legislation.

Trump has used dreamers as political pawns, consistently spewed lies on all sorts of issues and hasn't hesitated to throw under the bus anyone who criticizes him.

And are we supposed to be grateful that our senator, whom Trump has repeatedly mocked and forced him out of his re-election bid, may be welcomed to the negotiating table?

Forgive me if I’m not impressed.

I understand that for wealthy Americans, Flake and McCain don’t need to justify their tax vote. For them, after all, it’s a perfect holiday gift.

But for idealistic people like me and many of those who unfollowed McCain in anger and protest, we believe elected officials should represent the interests of all Americans — not just those affiliated with their political party.

Tax reform is overdue. But tax cuts and redistribution of wealth should be equitable. That turns out to be too much to ask of our Arizona senators and their Republican brethren in Congress.

Elvia Díaz is an editorial columnist for The Republic and azcentral, where this column first appeared. Follow her on Twitter: @elviadiaz1.